Is it my imagination or has there been a precipitous drop in the value, (asking prices), of the XK8 convertible over the course of the last year?

 

I see values all over the place. The only constant being that a low mileage pristine one is worth a lot more than high mile ones.

wj

 

Early models are rapidly approaching the "bottom of the depreciation curve" This is a territory staked out, and well known by loyal XJS owners! I anticipate that the XK8 will pass the XJS, while it is on it's way up. Be sure to wave!

 

Just had a look on ebay UK and yes they seem to be cheaper than ever, it would not surprise me to see this being the case for at least another 10 years, maybe 20, and by then who will want to buy a gas guzzler, the kidz will all want electrickery.

 

That high mileage thing is really going to screw-over some people. I guarantee that Kitty, with over 200K miles is in better condition than many 50K cars. Potential buyers will pass-up a gorgeous, sweet running car like her for a low-mileage, sit in the garage all year, basket of problems just waiting to happen due to lack of use. Oh well. But when the day comes, I'll gladly accept the lower price in exchange for having driven the crap out her for all those years.

I should check though; just out of curiosity. I wonder if she's even worth $10K any more, especially if there really has been a serious drop in our market values.

 

The only other constant is their constant desire for attention 😏

 

You cannot time the market on cars. No one can. I remember when E types were dirt cheap, and Supras and older M3's and M5's and pre 73 Chevelles and on and on. Some cars have the ingredients and never do go crazy, some do.
They are not making any more of these cars and there are less and less on the road everyday.
I have bought and sold north of 20,000 cars over the last 34 years and imho there is no crystal ball.
I timed the market one time in 2008 when gas was $4.00 a gallon and we sold Toyota Yaris and other gas misers for full pop as fast as we could get them. Suburban and Tahoes and Expeditions were dirt cheap suddenly. I bought all I could at fire sale prices. Scared me to death and lots of people said I was insane. Turned out pretty good, actually.
All of that being said: I think nice X100's have bottomed and they rise from here. These cars have the ingredients needed to soar. I just repair/maintain/love and drive mine. I wouldn't put money on them to go up. Most times it has happened it's been the later model years to do It, it seems, but not always. Go try to buy a nice 1964 split window Vette, or E type. Junk is junk always. Nice cars are what do it. Original as humanly possible is best. Just my H.O.

 

I'm not so sure about the electricky or high mileage thing, I can see a bunch of classics being converted to electric in a decade or two. XK8/R with a 500KW electric drive train - look awesome, goes like hell and little maintenance. Yes please.

https://www.theguardian.com/sustaina...s-eco-friendly

 

I've concluded that modern cars keep getting better, and therefore, simply drive the XK8s and enjoy them while there's life. I admire E-types etc., but they are sculptures, not visceral experiences. XK8s have negligible market value, but love is irrational, right?

 

You are correct. I look frequently because I think I want to replace my 118,000 mile '97 XK8 with a 2003-2004. The prices on those newer ones are encouraging for me, but I'm not going to give away my upgraded and corrected....and very nice....97 for junk prices. In 2008 I upgraded the chain tensioners and all that went with that job, upgraded the brakes far beyond stock, changed out the leaky mirror, the stereo speakers, the combination switch, the water pump and tower, hoses, and so much more. Recent coolant tank and a/c service, near-perfect body and interior, and all the other great things about the car (convertible) makes it hard to accept anything below $9000-10000. I've seen a lot of early ones at $4-6000. You'd hope the first year model would retain a bit more value, but the high mileage hurts. Not sure what move to make, if any.

 

1963 split window coupe.